A review of the suitability of lithium battery technology in ict energy infrastructure

Abstract

The evolution of rechargeable lithium (Li) batteries has led to the development of several categories of batteries, each one with different combinations of electrode materials and electrolytes. They all have differences in performance characteristics, production cost and operating safety and it is therefore difficult to determine what specific battery is best suited for a specific application. This has led to much confusion and sometime hesitation by potential users to consider these batteries. By far, most Li batteries produced today are used in typical cycling applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), cell phones, portable tools, laptops and other portable electrical devices. Li battery manufacturers have therefore focused most of their product development towards these applications. Only a handful of manufacturers have optimized cells and batteries for long life and the ultimate safety and reliability required in ICT applications. This paper provides an overview of the different technologies, their performance characteristics and applicable standards, with a focus on battery types best suited for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) applications.